Sand play therapy is a form of therapy that can be characterized as expressive arts therapy.  It involves having 2 trays of sand, (one wet and one dry) available to the client, along with a variety of miniature objects organized on shelves that represent the world, such as people, animals, vegetation, vehicles and so on.  The client (of any age, not just children) creates their own “world” in sand, shaping and forming an idea or experience.  The therapist sits with the client as they work, witnessing the formation of the client’s world in their sand tray.  This is a critical part of the process, being fully present with the client as s/he creates their world.

Sand play therapy helps clients to develop an increase in awareness/consciousness of their personal strengths and limitations, as well as facilitating playfulness, creativity, self-esteem, and problem solving.  An inner picture is formed in an outer, contained form that is deep, powerful and often enjoyable.  For some, frightening memories or experiences can be expressed in a safe manner to help resolve trauma.  Sand tray’s unique benefits therapeutically are rooted in the concept of “free and protected space” in which the client is encouraged to portray their uniquely personal experience in that moment.  It may or may not be a place that is articulated verbally; a skilled and sensitive therapist guides the use of talking or not based on the individual’s process at the time.

The use of sand play therapy is one that is uniquely tactile and kinesthetic.  The hands are guided by the imagination, which nurtures freedom of expression, along with complete control in the limited space of the tray.  Current brain research emphasizes the importance of using the fine motor skills of the hands in learning and adapting to practice more healthy ways of functioning.  Storytelling is a natural part of sand tray work, and may be articulated verbally or not.  Sand tray facilitates the expression of the unconscious in a visual form, which is unique to this style of therapy.